Reader device with sensor streaming data and methods

ABSTRACT

An access control system includes a first controller having a first antenna interface for broadcasting identifying data to local devices, for receiving ephemeral ID signals, token signals or payload data from local devices, and a first processor for determining a first authentication when an ephemeral ID signal or a token from a first local device is determined to be valid, for determining a second authentication when an ephemeral ID signal or a token from a second local device is determined to be valid, and for instructing a peripheral to perform a user-perceptible action in response to the first authentication, and a second controller coupled to the first controller having a second processor for receiving payload data for the second local device in response to the second authentication, and a second antenna interface for outputting at least a portion of the payload data to the remote server in response to the second authentication.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of PCT App. No.PCT/US19/37553 filed Jun. 17, 2019, which is a non-provisional of andclaims priority to U.S. Provisional App. No. 62/685,292 filed Jun. 15,2018, and is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional App. No. 62/781,618filed Dec. 19, 2018, and is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional App.No. 62/789,063 filed Jan. 7, 2019. These references are incorporated byreference herein, for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates generally to reader devices that communicate withmultiple remote devices to facilitate authorization of users and tofacilitate data transfer received from such remote devices.

Presently, attempts to create what the inventors refer to as a universalidentification (ID) signal for an individual, have involved frameworksor underlying models in which the burden of implementing thesignal—broadcasting it and ensuring that devices detect it—rests on theindividual. This task of creating a personal signal, or what theinventors refer to as a transponder or beacon, is beyond the technicaldomain of the vast majority of users. This is one of the barriers thathas prevented the growth of a universal identification signal forindividuals, universal in the sense that the signal is not tied to ordetectable only by a specific manufacturer, social media or networkprovider, or company.

One of the inventors' goals of a universal identification signal is toallow a user to identify and interact with a variety of physical worlddevices or objects by different manufacturers in a manner that allowsfor strict data control, security, and privacy. In contrast, currentuser ID models follow a “silo” model. In typical silo models, users emita specific ID signal via a specific application on a specific device,such as from a smart phone, and the specific ID signal is onlydetectable by a specific entity, such as an appliance manufacturer, acar manufacturer, or online social media provider, or the like. Thespecific IDs are thus not universal, for example a Hilton user ID cannotbe used for boarding a United Airlines flight. These siloed systems donot provide sufficient mapping to physical, real world environments andspaces that is needed to be useful, safe, and secure.

The inventors believe the silo model of user identification signalswhere each vendor, each hotel, each apartment, and the like is highlydisadvantageous to users and more importantly to their smart devices.Some disadvantages include that the multiple applications take up largeportions of the memory in smart devices, crowding out memory for photos,videos, other applications, and the like; another disadvantage is thatwhen executing more than one of these silo applications, the performanceof the smart device is impacted because there are large amounts of datathat need to be cached for each of the programs, and switching betweenprograms often become sluggish; another disadvantage is that having alarge number of applications running at the same time can cause memorymanagement problems in the user's smart device, causing crashes andother anomalous behaviors; and the like. Accordingly, the inventorsbelieve the silo model often adversely affects the performance of smartdevices.

There are some implementations, presently in limited use, thatessentially leverage one online identity or profile to interact withvarious types of devices. Besides the security and data control/privacyconcerns this raises, such single online personas do not truly reflecthow individuals behave or act in the real, physical world. Humaninteractions with physical environments have developed over millennia,as such, it should not be expected that this behavior be reflected inonline personas.

Other factors that have prevented universal or even quasi-universalsignal technology from widespread adoption include generally a lack ofmotivation from manufacturers and companies to create their own apps,portals, back-end infrastructure, and so on, that would be needed toimplement a signal or beacon framework with their customers. Again, thisleads to a siloed approach that is simply not worth the expense andmaintenance for many entities. Returning to the first point of placingtoo much of the technical burden of implementing universal signals onthe users, it is certainly possible to create sensing points in anenvironment, but this framework requires that users modify theirbehavior, act in a different way and actually require that additionalactions be taken by users. What is needed is a framework that does notrequire this of users and where the physical world or environment beessentially smarter and place minimal additional burden on the users toallow for seamless natural interactions.

SUMMARY

This invention relates generally to systems, methods and devices forfirst party identification and more particularly to systems, methods anddevices for a universal ID. With embodiments of the present invention,storage memory of smart-devices is increased due to the reduced numberof applications and programs that need to be stored, and the performanceof the smart-devices is increased due to the lower number ofapplications required to operate simultaneously, while still providingthe functionality desired by a user. In various embodiments, thereduction in demand on smart-device resources provide advantages to asmart device in terms of amount of free memory available forapplications and the speed and efficient performance of applicationsrunning upon the smart device.

One aspect disclosed is a method of enabling a universal identifiersignal, also referred to as a universal personal transponder (e.g.transceiver), using a beacon apparatus and a detector apparatus thatperforms as a scanner or sensor. In various embodiments, the beacon maybe a smartphone, wearable device or other smart apparatus carried by auser, and broadcasts what is referred to as an ephemeral identifier.This ephemeral ID is typically enabled by an application installed onthe smartphone or smart apparatus. The ephemeral ID is then detected orsensed by a reader/detector device which may be constantly scanning theenvironment for ephemeral IDs and related data. In various embodiments,the detector can be built into a wide variety of devices, such asappliances, electronic equipment, public kiosks, controlled accesspoints and the like. As described below, the detector device resolvesthe ephemeral ID to a user of a specific beacon apparatus, that is, theephemeral ID is matched to a specific registered individual or user. Adedicated server, typically operated by a (e.g. universal) signalservice provider, receives at least a portion of the ephemeral ID andverifies an access-control list (i.e. determines stored user data)associated with the specific registered user associated with theephemeral ID. A first set of user data is then transmitted from thededicated server to the detector device, such as a controlled accesspoint (e.g. door lock, security door, turnstile, security system,elevator, gate), a coffee machine, kitchen appliance, TV monitor, pointof sale device, loyalty card kiosk, automobile, appliance, vendingmachine, environmental controls, etc. The detector device then performsoperations based upon the first set of user data, to enable substantiveand meaningful interactions with the beacon (i.e., the user), such asunlocking a lock, turning on lights, registering the user, or the like.In some embodiments, the actions required by the beacon device arereduced or minimized and the majority of the operations are taken on bythe reader/detector device. That is, the user and the user's smartphonedoes not need to perform any proactive operations or acts in order tohave the user's universal ID signal be recognized by the door lock orhave meaningful interaction with the door lock, such as unlocking thedoor for the user. In other embodiments, the beacon device may performsome of the access functions with the dedicated server automatically,without specific user interaction.

In another aspect of the invention, a system for implementing auniversal personal transponder environment includes a beacon apparatuscarried by a user that includes universal personal ID transpondersoftware. The user enters an environment or space that has one or morescanner devices which are constantly scanning for a universal ID signalbeing emitted by the beacon by virtue of the transponder software. Thedetection of the universal ID signal occurs with minimal operations oractions needed by the user or the beacon apparatus. The software moduleon the beacon enables interaction with nearly any type of scanner devicethat has the necessary transponder software and hardware connectivitycomponent. A dedicated server has a database for storing various typesof data and multiple software modules for implementing the universalpersonal transponder environment. In some cases, the server may beoperated and owned by a universal personal transponder service provider(SAAS) which operates the system for the benefit of the user and thescanner or detector device manufacturers or operators which may includea wide variety of device from door locks to electronic equipment. Inother cases, the server may be operated and/or owned by a detectordevice manufacturer (e.g. controlled access point) and still becompatible with the universal ID signal from the universal ID software.In some embodiments, the majority of the processing and proactive stepsneeded to implement the environment is done by the scanner device whichqueries or monitors the beacon (e.g., smartphone) for ephemeral ID data,communicates with the server, and performs a responsive physical action.In various embodiments, the beacon also performs some steps to ensuresecurity and authentication of the user via biometric scanner, password,or the like. In some embodiments, the burden of initiating the processand establishing a session is performed by the scanner device sensingthe ephemeral ID.

According to one aspect of the invention, a method is described. Oneprocess includes scanning with a short-range transceiver in a firstdevice for ephemeral ID signals within a geographic region proximate tothe first device, and detecting with the short-range transceiver, anephemeral ID signal output from a user device, wherein the ephemeral IDsignal does not include personally identifiable information of the user.One method includes transmitting with a wide-area network communicationunit in the first device, at least a portion of the ephemeral ID signaland a first identifier associated with first device to a remote serverassociated with the ephemeral ID signals and receiving with thewide-area network communication unit, a first reply from the remoteserver in response to the portion of the ephemeral ID signal and to thefirst identifier. One technique includes providing an electronicauthorization signal to a first external unit coupled to the firstdevice in response to the first reply, wherein the first external unitis configured to perform a first physical action in response to thefirst reply.

According to another aspect of the invention, a system including a firstdevice is disclosed. In one apparatus, the first device includes ashort-range transceiver configured to capture ephemeral ID signalswithin a geographic region proximate to the first device and configuredto detect an ephemeral ID signal output from a user device, wherein theephemeral ID signal does not include personally identifiable informationof the user. In another apparatus, the first device includes a wide-areanetwork interface configured to transmit at least a portion of theephemeral ID signal and a first identifier associated with first deviceto a remote server associated with the ephemeral ID signals andconfigured to receive a first reply from the remote server in responseto the portion of the ephemeral ID signal and the first identifierassociated with first device. In yet another apparatus, the first deviceincludes an output unit configured to provide an electronicauthorization signal to a first external unit coupled to the firstdevice in response to the first reply, wherein the first external unitis configured to perform a first physical action in response to thefirst reply.

According to one aspect, an access control system is disclosed. Onedevice may include a first controller coupled to a plurality of localdevise comprising a first antenna interface and a first processor,wherein the first antenna interface is configured to broadcastidentifying data associated with the access control system to theplurality of local devices within a limited geographic region proximatethereto including a first local device and a second local device,wherein the first antenna interface is configured to scan for aplurality of ephemeral ID signals associated with the plurality of localdevices, wherein the first antenna interface is configured to receive aplurality of ephemeral ID signals and a plurality of token signalsassociated with the plurality of local devices, wherein the firstantenna interface is configured to receive a plurality of payload datafrom the plurality of local devices, wherein the first controller isconfigured to determine a first authentication condition when anephemeral ID signal associated with the first local device or a tokensignal from the first local device is determined to be valid, whereinthe first controller is configured to determine a second authenticationcondition when an ephemeral ID signal associated with the second localdevice or a token signal from the second local device is determined tobe valid, and wherein the first controller is configured to instruct aperipheral device to perform a user-perceptible action in response tothe first authentication condition. An apparatus may include a secondcontroller coupled to the first controller, wherein the secondcontroller is configured to facilitate wide-area communications with aremote server comprising a second antenna interface and a secondprocessor, wherein the second processor is configured to receive payloaddata associated with the second local device in response to the secondauthentication condition, and wherein the second antenna interface isconfigured to output of at least a portion of the payload dataassociated with the second local device to the remote server in responseto the second authentication condition.

According to another aspect, a method for control system is disclosed.One technique may include broadcasting with a first controller of areader device identification signals associated with the reader devicewithin a geographic region proximate to the reader device, scanning withthe first controller for ephemeral ID signals within the geographicregion proximate to the reader device, and detecting with the firstcontroller a first ephemeral ID signal or a first token from a firstlocal device associated with a first user. A process may includedetecting with the first controller a second ephemeral ID signal or asecond token from a second local device, determining with the firstcontroller a first authentication condition in response toauthenticating the first ephemeral ID signal or the first token, anddetermining with the first controller a second authentication conditionin response to authenticating the second ephemeral ID signal or thesecond token. A method may include initiating with the first controllera user-perceptible action with a peripheral device coupled to the readerdevice in response to the first authentication condition, receiving withthe first controller payload data associated with the second localdevice, and initiating with a second controller of the reader deviceoutput of at least a portion of the payload data associated with thesecond local device to a remote server in response to the secondauthentication condition.

According to yet another aspect, a access control system is described. Asystem may include a peripheral device configured to perform auser-perceptible action. A apparatus may include a first controllercoupled to a plurality of local devise comprising a first antennainterface and a first processor, wherein the first antenna interface isconfigured to broadcast identifying data associated with the accesscontrol system to the plurality of local devices within a limitedgeographic region including to a first local device and a second localdevice, wherein the first antenna interface is configured to receive aplurality of ephemeral ID signals and a plurality of token signalsassociated with the plurality of local devices, wherein the firstantenna interface is configured to receive a plurality of payload datafrom the plurality of local devices, wherein the first controller isconfigured to determine a first authentication condition when anephemeral ID signal from the first local device or a token signal fromthe first local device is determined to be valid, wherein the firstcontroller is configured to determine a second authentication conditionwhen an ephemeral ID signal from the second local device or a tokensignal from the second local device is determined to be valid, andwherein the first controller is configured to instruct the peripheraldevice to perform the user-perceptible action in response to the firstauthentication condition. A device may include a second controllercoupled to the first controller, wherein the second controller isconfigured to facilitate wide-area communications with a remote servercomprising a second antenna interface and a second processor, whereinthe second processor is configured to receive payload data from thesecond local device in response to the second authentication condition,and wherein the second antenna interface is configured to output of atleast a portion of the payload data associated with the second localdevice to the remote server in response to the second authenticationcondition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to more fully understand the present invention, reference ismade to the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings arenot to be considered limitations in the scope of the invention, thepresently described embodiments and the presently understood best modeof the invention are described with additional detail through use of theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an overview flow diagram of a process in accordance withvarious embodiments;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a physical environment showing differenttypes of devices and users with beacons;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing some components for variousembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a flow diagram of a process of a user joining the universalID signal framework as implemented by a service provider in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIG. 4B is a flow diagram of a process of registering and initializing adevice so that it can be a universal ID signal sensing device in aphysical space in some embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a process of passive detection of auniversal signal presence in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a process of transmitting a universal IDsignal between a beacon and a device and initiating interaction betweenthem in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a process of operations that occur on thedevice when the device is online in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a process that occurs on the device when thedevice is offline in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computer systemcapable of implementing various processes in some embodiments;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a process according to various embodimentsof the present invention;

FIG. 11 is another block diagram of a process according to variousembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is another block diagram of a reader according to variousembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is another block diagram of a system according to variousembodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 14A-F are flow diagrams of various processes according to someembodiments; and

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram of various process according to someembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the presented concepts. Thepresented concepts may be practiced without some or all of thesespecific details. In other instances, well known process operations havenot been described in detail so as to not unnecessarily obscure thedescribed concepts. While some concepts will be described in conjunctionwith the specific embodiments, it will be understood that theseembodiments are not intended to be limiting. On the contrary, it isintended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may beincluded within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments asdefined by the appended claims.

For example, methods and systems will be described in the context ofcreating, utilizing, and managing security and authentication for auniversal, personal ID signal. In the following description, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the various embodiments. Particular example embodimentsmay be implemented without some or all of these specific details. Inother instances, well known process operations have not been describedin detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the describedembodiments. Various techniques and mechanisms will sometimes bedescribed in singular form for clarity.

It should be noted that some embodiments include multiple iterations ofa technique or multiple instantiations of a mechanism or techniqueunless noted otherwise. For example, a system uses a processor in avariety of contexts. However, it will be appreciated that a system canuse multiple processors while remaining within the scope of thedescribed embodiments unless otherwise noted. Furthermore, thetechniques and mechanisms will sometimes describe a connection betweentwo entities. It should be noted that a connection between two entitiesdoes not necessarily mean a direct, unimpeded connection, as a varietyof other entities may reside between the two entities. For example, aprocessor may be connected to memory, but it will be appreciated that avariety of bridges and controllers may reside between the processor andmemory. Consequently, a connection does not necessarily mean a direct,unimpeded connection unless otherwise noted.

Various embodiments describe providing universal identity and physicalpresence detection in the form of a personal, universal signal. Thissignal allows a user to interact with devices in the user's environmentwithout having to download vendor-specific apps, set up vendor-specificaccounts or be limited to a siloed eco-system of a manufacturer brand.Such a personal universal signal representing an individual allows fordevices and software to detect and query the beacon transmitting thesignal for information relating to the user and augmented onto thephysical environment. This provides a more personalized, efficient, and,in some instances, secure experience for the user.

The embodiments focus on reducing or minimizing user workload to allowfor seamless interactions with her environment, such as, for example,the user being able to walk up to a TV anywhere in the world and havingthe TV (using the user's universal signal) detecting the user andquerying for the user's personal preferences and accounts. The user canthen, using voice commands, for example telling the TV to play theirfavorite TV show by saying “play Game of Thrones.” The TV, using theuser's authenticated universal signal can then access the user'spersonal preferences and accounts (e.g., Netflix account), and can thenpull up the show and play it automatically. This can be done without theuser using a specific app on the TV, setting up a TV specific account,logging into accounts, or owning the TV. In another example, a user canwalk up to a door, and have the door automatically unlock for the user,once the user reaches a sufficiently close distance so that the user canpassively walk through the door without having to do anything. In suchexamples, this is because the door sensed the user's universal signalID, verified that the user has access to pass through the door andunlocks the door for the user. Again, this is done without the userbeing tied to the door manufacturer, or device, or to a specific accountor app needed to serve such interaction. As such, the variousembodiments provide and enable a universal signal for users and devicesto interact, where all parties benefit from a seamless and natural wayof interacting in the physical world.

Methods and systems for implementing a smart environment where a user'spresence is sensed by a scanner are described in the various figures. Inone embodiment, the environment is a physical space in which scannersdetect the presence of a user via a universal identifier signal that isemitted from the user's mobile device which operates as a personalbeacon. In this framework, the scanners perform most of the back-endoperations and, for the beacon (e.g. a user's phone or watch), workloadis significantly reduced. In this respect, by taking the burden ofimplementing the universal ID signal, the environment or physical spaceproviding the framework may be described as intelligent or smart. Theusers simply need to do move around and behave normally. The devicesaround them in the space or environment they are moving in detects theusers and the smart space performs the necessary communications andprocessing to realize the benefits described herein.

FIG. 1 is an overview flow diagram of a process in accordance with oneembodiment. At step 102 an entity operates as a beacon and moves aroundin a physical space. In the described embodiment, the entity maybe ahuman being and the space can be any environment such as a home, anoffice, a retail store, a lobby, a public space, a sidewalk, to name afew examples. Another way to describe it is that an entity can be anyobject or thing for which a universal ID signal would be useful, such asa car, bicycle, or animal. At step 104 an environment or space in whichat least one scanner operates is created. A scanner can be manifested orimplemented in many ways. In the described embodiment, a scanner (alsoreferred to as “device” herein; beacons, typically mobile devices, arereferred to herein as “beacon” “user” or “smartphone”) can be a homeappliance, door lock, monitor, a car, a kiosk, a consumer electronicdevice, and so on. The type of devices found in an environment or spacewill naturally be dependent on the nature of the space. At step 104,manufacturers or other entities which either make the scanners oroperate or manage them are signed up and registered to have scanners inthe environment. A home will have different types of devices than aretail store or an office lobby, and so on. A common feature of mostdevices or scanners in the described embodiment is that they aregenerally stationary; they are not expected to move around in thephysical space, but they can, and the inventive concepts describedherein would still apply. At step 106 a device detects a beacon byvirtue of the beacon signal and initial interaction between device andbeacon may begin.

The initial interaction may be one of two types. One is referred to aspassive interaction shown in step 108. Here the device detects thepresence of a beacon signal. The device may not determine the identityof the user, that is, the user remains anonymous. In another passivemode embodiment, the user may be identified but only in a dedicatedserver operated, typically, by a service provider, described below, andnot on the device itself. Although generally this back-end server willbe online, in one embodiment the server, that is, the service provider,may be accessible without an Internet connection or being online (e.g.,via Ethernet, Zigbee, and the like). This passive scanning or detectingpresence of a beacon may be useful in various contexts, such as countingthe number of people in a room or space, or whether someone just walkedinto a space. Essentially, the device wants to sense users around it,but the individual dictates the privacy. The user is the gatekeeper onhis or her identity. The device that detects or sense the presence ofthe user may interact, it may do something, but that action does nothave privacy concerns or require user authorization, hence, the passivenature of the interaction.

Another type of interaction that may be initiated is referred to assecured exchange where there is authentication of the user shown in step110. Here tokens are used to authenticate and the device can makeauthorization requests. One example that illustrates this clearly iswhere the device is a door lock which detects the presence of a user andwill only unlock if the user is authorized to open the door; the usermust prove to the device (door lock) that she has access to open thedoor. In one embodiment, tokens are used to prove that the user isauthorized. The beacon signal has at least one signed token from aback-end server that authenticates the user to the device. Once thisauthentication is made, the device will perform the relevant action andinteract with the user. It may be noted that in either passive orsecured exchange scenarios, the device may interact with the user asshown in step 112, but the level or degree of interaction will naturallyvary.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a physical environment showing differenttypes of devices and users with beacons. Beacons can take various forms,most are Internet-enabled, but the most common are smartphones andwearables, such as watches or bracelets and may include bio-implants andother forms of personal mounted fixtures. As noted, the user will mostlikely be an individual, but may also be a moving object or an animal,such as a pet. Also shown are devices which can take on many forms, mostare Internet-enabled. Devices may be home appliances and electronics,office equipment, ranging from refrigerators, coffee makers, door locks,TVs, vending machines, kiosks, cars, monitors, and so on. As describedin greater detail below, a device may have its own server contained init (to do universal signal actions) or may not need a service providerserver at all. In the described embodiment the device accesses a serviceprovider server to carry out some or all of the operations needed forthe present invention. A service provider server, also referred to asthe back-end server, is also shown. This server has numerous roles, butone of the primary ones is to authenticate the user and maintainaccess-control lists for beacons and devices. This back-end server ismaintained and operated by the universal ID signal service providerwhich is responsible for implementing the universal ID signal and smartenvironment of the present invention. It provides a software module orapp (application) that the user installs on her smart phone or wearablethereby enabling it as a personal beacon. And it provides software,hardware or both to device manufacturers and operators. For example, itcan provide a software development kit (SDK) for the manufacturer ordetector/scanning hardware, such as a Bluetooth module or sensor, if themanufacturer or device operator needs such a hardware component to putin their device. For example, a lock manufacturer may not have thetechnical means or desire to obtain the appropriate sensor desired forthe invention so the service provider can provide the sensor hardware tothem and instruct them on how to install it. The device manufacturerwill decide what type of capabilities their device(s) will need wheninteracting with users and what type of security and authorization willbe required from its users. It instructs the service provider on whatdata it needs from the beacon in order to interact securely and safelywith its users.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing three primary components needed forimplementing various embodiments of the present invention. A user actslike a beacon 302. The user, in nearly all instances, a singleindividual (in some cases a “user” may be a group of people like afamily, a group of co-workers, a team, etc.) carries an apparatus thatacts as the beacon. As noted, this can be a smartphone, bracelet, watch,or any suitable wearable device. Beacon 302 has installed on it aservice provider software module 304, that implements the personaluniversal ID signal of the present invention.

A device 306 acts as the detector or scanner in the environment. Asdescribed, device 306 can take the form of one of a multitude of objectsfrom ranging from appliances to electronic equipment to public vendingmachines. Nearly all have a software module 308 that is provided by theservice provider and installed either by the provider or by themanufacturer. Software module 308, as well as module 304, performs manyof the operations described in the flow diagrams below. In someembodiments, device 306 may also have a hardware component 310, such asa Bluetooth component or other hardware needed for connectivity (e.g.transmitter and receiver) with beacon 302 or with a dedicated server,the other component in FIG. 3. This hardware component may be providedby the service provider.

A service provider server 312 is operated and managed by the universalID signal provider and may have extensive software modules, such as theuniversal signal app 316, and at least one database 314 which storesdata on beacons (users), devices, access control tables, and a widevariety of data needed to implement the universal signal environment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrate a logical flow diagram illustrating the processdescribed below in FIGS. 4A and 4B and FIG. 5. In FIG. 10 systems areillustrated including a user device (e.g. a smart phone, smart watch,ring, tablet, wearable device, augmented reality glasses) 1002 coupledto a reader 1004 and to a cloud-based server 1006, and a peripheraldevice 1008. In FIG. 10, a peripheral access control system (PACS) 1010is also illustrated coupled to cloud-based server 1006 and to peripheraldevice 1008.

FIG. 4A is a flow diagram of a process of a user joining the universalID signal framework as implemented by a service provider in accordancewith one embodiment. A user, typically an individual, has decided tojoin the universal ID signal framework. In one context, an employer mayask all of its employees to join so that the advantages of the universalsignal can be realized in an office or company campus environment. Thefirst step taken by the user is shown at step 401 where the userdownloads a service provider universal ID signal app (“app”) onto hersmart phone 1002 or wearable apparatus (for ease of explanation,collectively referred to as “smartphone”). Generally, the app canoperate in most widely used personal devices, platforms or operatingsystems, such as Android, iOS, and others that run on phones, watches,bracelets, tablets, bio-chips and the like. The application may also betermed a security application that runs upon the user's smart device.

Once downloaded and installed, at step 403 the user enters 1030 at leastsome required basic information about herself. In various embodiments,transmissions between user device 1002 and server 1006 are typically rfcommunication using WiFi, cellular service (e.g. 4G, 5G, etc.), or thelike. Some of the information can be entered at a later time dependingon the apparatus that the app is being installed on. In one embodiment,a subset of the data entered by the user results in the creation ofvarious identifiers. One may be referred to generically as a unique IDwhose use is limited in that it is used primarily, if not only, by theservice provider. This unique ID is not sent to the device, such as anappliance, door lock, coffee machine, etc. Another is a randomlygenerated identifier, referred to herein as a temporary or ephemeral ID.In some embodiments, the ephemeral ID may include random data, pseudorandom data, or data selected from a predetermined set of data. In oneembodiment, a portion of the ephemeral ID is provided 1032 to device1002 and the full ephemeral ID may be generated within user device 1002based upon the portion of the ephemeral ID from server 1006. In otherembodiments, the ephemeral ID may be generated fully within user device1002 based upon data specified by the app running upon the user device1002 (e.g. data that identifies to reader 1004 that the ephemeral ID isbroadcasted from the app on the user's smartphone. As described above,the ephemeral ID may be combined with random, pseudo random, or dataselected from a set of data, or the like (“random”). In someembodiments, ephemeral ID may include at least a first portion includingthe “random” value and a second portion that includes data thatauthenticates the ephemeral ID as being authorized by server 1006. Insome examples, the authenticating data may be a digitally signed messagethat reader 1004 may verify itself or with back-end server 1010 andserver 1006, a private-key encrypted message that reader 1004 maydecrypt itself or via a paired public-key via back-end server 1010 andserver 1006, or the like. This ephemeral ID, for example, may be usedfor anonymous detection by a device of the user. Another identifiercreated from the user data and provided to 1032 user device 1002 isreferred to as a persistent ID, an ID that can be characterized asstable and is created for each user/device manufacturer pair. Forexample, a user may have different persistent IDs for her relationshipwith the monitor, another for her relationship with the coffee machine,the car, the door lock, and so on. Each device manufacturer gets adistinct persistent ID for each user (assuming one device from eachmanufacturer). It may be described as a persistent or permanent versionof an ephemeral ID. At step 405 the data entered and created at step 403is stored in service provider 1006 or manufacture's own dedicatedservers 1010, in most cases this will be the service provider servers.

FIG. 4B is a flow diagram of a process of registering and initializing adevice so that it can be a universal ID signal sensing device in aphysical space in accordance with one embodiment. At step 402 theservice provider determines whether the device has the necessaryhardware for being a scanner as needed for implementing the presentinvention (since the device is new to the space and universal IDframework, the service provider knows that the device does not have theuniversal ID app yet). The service provider obtains a wide variety ofdata and metadata about the device, items such as device name, category,location, identifier(s), make, model, time zone and so on. Some of thisdata is used to let the user know what the device is exactly when sheencounters it in a physical real-world space and wants to decide whetherto interact with it. However, the threshold question determined at step402 is whether the device has the right hardware. If it does, theservice provider only needs to supply and install universal ID signalsoftware which, in the described embodiment, is in the form of asoftware development kit (SDK) as shown in step 404. If the device doesnot have the right hardware for scanning (some smaller scalemanufacturers may not have the means or technical skills to include thishardware in their product) the service provider provides one. In thiscase the software module and the sensor hardware are installed on thedevice which may be done by the device maker or the service provider.

At step 406 information describing the device is stored by the serviceprovider in a database. This data may be used for enabling interactionbetween the device 1004 and the beacon 1002. In some scenarios, the datafor this interaction may be stored on the device itself wherein theservice provider does not play an active role. Some examples of datastored include device ID, single key, private/public key pair, set ofcommands and interactions, actions the user or device can take, atemplate which can be customized for different devices. In oneembodiment, a template may be described as a pre-defined schema ofattributes and metadata. In a simple example, a template for a door lockcan have “lock” and “unlock” whereas a template for a car would likelyhave many more options. At step 408 metadata describing to the deviceand templates are transmitted 1034 to the device and stored there.

At the end of FIG. 4B, the device is now capable of detecting or sensinga beacon 1002 when a beacon with the universal ID signal app executingon it is in the presence of the device 1004. FIG. 5 is a flow diagram ofa process of passive detection of a universal signal presence inaccordance with one embodiment. With continued reference to the examplein FIG. 10, in FIG. 5, at step 502 a user (as noted, the term “user” isinterchangeable with “beacon” and “smartphone” 1002) enters anenvironment or physical space that has scanning devices, e.g. 1004. Itis important to note here that the user is in control of her personaluniversal ID signal. The user can turn the signal on (by executing theapp downloaded at step 401) or not turn it on. There are also measuresthat can be taken to ensure that the universal signal is coming from theright individual and not an imposter or some other intentional orunintentional unauthorized person. At step 502 the user turns on thesignal via a smartphone or wearable apparatus 1002 once another factorhas passed. For example, the signal turns on only after a smart watchhas detected the user's heart pattern or other biometric means to verifythe identity of the user wearing the watch or carrying the smartphone.Only at this point is the signal turned on. This prevents otherindividuals from impersonating the user by wearing the user's smartwatch or other wearable. At step 504 a beacon 1002 in the environmentbroadcasts 1012 the ephemeral ID. In some embodiments, transmissionsbetween beacon 1002 and reader 1004 may be performed via short-rangecommunications, such as BLE, Zigbee, NFC, or the like. At step 506 adevice 1004 detects or senses the beacon 1002 and reads the beacon'sephemeral ID. A non-persistent minimal connection is establishedinitially between the beacon and the device. The universal ID signal appdoes not tie up the device exclusively (unlike other IoT devices).Because of the non-persistent nature of the connection some typicalscaling issues are avoided. No permanent bonding or tie-up is needed inthe personal universal ID signal implementation and framework of thepresent invention.

Steps 502 to 506 describe what can be referred to as a sub-process forambient sensing of the beacon 1002 by a device 1004. It may becharacterized as the simplest use case scenario for the universal IDsignal. Ambient sensing can be used in scenarios where users simply haveto be distinguished from one another, such as counting how many usersare near a device or in a room. This ambient sensing may also be seen asa way for a user to potentially communicate with a device if needed. Asillustrated in FIG. 10A, if communication 1014 is possible and thededicated server, such as a service provider server 1006, can beaccessed, the process continues with step 508. In another embodiment,the dedicated server 1006 can be accessed via another communicationmeans, such as Bluetooth, Ethernet, and the like. At step 508, theservice provider server 1006 learns private data about the user. It doesthis by taking 1016 the ephemeral ID or persistent ID and resolving itto a persistent ID or an actual or real user identifier 1018 (as noted,prior to this step, the user was merely an anonymous but distinguishableentity). At step 512 the back-end 1010 receives and verifies permissionsattached to the user by examining an access control list. At step 514the back-end 1010 sends 1022 user data (e.g. options) based on theaccess control list to the device 1022 via reader 1004, in other words,it sends 1022 to the device 1002 only data about the user that thedevice 1002 is allowed to see (e.g. options available to the user ofdevice 1002 such as user transaction history, user account status,amount of stored-value remaining, etc.). In some examples, where aperipheral device 1008 is a controlled access point 1008 (e.g. door), anoption available may be to unlock or unlatch; where peripheral device1008 is a television, an option available may be to select from a listof subscription services. In some embodiments, an option may be manuallyselected by the user on device 1002 and the selection may be sent 1024to reader 1004, whereas in other embodiments, if there is one option ora default option, the option need not be sent, or the option mayautomatically be selected by device 1002 and sent back to reader 1004.

In various embodiments, reader 1004 may send 1026 the selected option toback-end 1010, and if authorized, back-end 1010 directs 1028 peripheraldevice 1008 to perform an action. In the example where peripheral device1008 is a door, the instruction may be to activate a solenoid, or thelike, in a strike plate and allow the user to pull or push open thedoor; in the example where peripheral device 1008 is a television, theinstruction may be to run a Netflix application on the television and tolog into Netflix using the users credentials, for example; and the like.In various embodiments, the back-end 1010 stores a matrix ofpermissions, policies, preferences, and the like regarding users anddevices. In one embodiment, it uses the user's persistent ID which, asnoted, is particular to that user and a specific device pairing.

In some embodiments, if communication 1014 is not possible in real-time,resolving ephemeral ID may be performed via the transfer ofserver-authenticated data by smart phone 1002 to reader device 1004,described below, and/or may be performed via the transfer of signedtokens from server 1006 to smart device 1002 described in FIG. 6.

Returning to step 506, if there is no ephemeral ID or the data needed isalready on the device, characterized as a “local only” option, the dataneeded for sensing the beacon 1002 is on the device 1002 itself and userdata is requested from the device instead of from a service providerserver.

The passive branch shown in FIG. 1 has been described in FIG. 5 steps502 to 514. Steps 510, 516, and 518 illustrate the secure branch fromFIG. 1. As noted, at step 510, in the “local only” step, when the device1004 (or back-end server 1010) does not access service provider servers1006 via the Internet, user data is requested from the device. Steps 516and 518 are needed because the service provider 1006 is not able toauthenticate user data (e.g. ephemeral ID or any type of data from thesmartphone 1002. The perspective of the queries and actions taken insteps 516 and 518 are from the device 1004 perspective. At step 516 thedevice 1004 or, more specifically, the universal ID signal softwaremodule on the device, needs to be able to verify that data it isreceiving from the beacon 1002 at some point has been verified by theservice provider 1006 and is still valid. The device 1004 wants to seethat the data (the data basically conveying, for instance, “I am JohnSmith's smartphone”) has been vouched for by the back-end server, butthat the authentication and identity data the device 1004 receives hasbeen verified. In one embodiment, this is done without using any of theIDs described above (ephemeral, persistent, unique, etc.). Instead dataused to verify the identity depends on the scanning device 1004. Forexample, the data could be an authenticated version 1036 of the user'sdriver license, or verification of the user's voice or face recognitionas matched with a known hash of the user's voice recording or facialimage (for example, stored on the user's smartphone) of the user asbiometric authentication that the user is the correct, intended user.The authentication may be performed by cloud server 1006, or may beperformed by cloud server 1006 in conjunction with a dedicatedauthentication server. Once the device 1004 receives 1038 this proof oris otherwise confident that the data it is receiving is authentic,control goes to step 518. Here the device receives proof from thesmartphone that the user identity data is authentic and that the device1004 can request performance 1028 of the action by peripheral device1008 via server 1010, or in alternative embodiments, device 1004 canrequest 1140 performance of the action directly with peripheral device1008. As described herein, actions may include unlocking a door, turninga TV on to the user's preferred channel, or make coffee how the userlikes it.

FIG. 11 illustrate a logical flow diagram illustrating the processdescribed below in FIGS. 6-8. In FIG. 11 systems are illustratedincluding a user device (e.g. a smart phone, smart watch, ring) 1102coupled to a reader 1104 and to a cloud-based server 1106, and aperipheral device 1108. In FIG. 11, a peripheral access control system(PACS) 1110 is also illustrated coupled to peripheral device 1108.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a process of transmitting a universal IDsignal between a beacon 1102 and a device 1104 and initiatinginteraction between them in accordance with one embodiment. At step 602the smartphone or wearable 1102 being carried by a user has entered aphysical space with universal signal-enabled devices 1104 and ispassively transmitting 1112 a universal (ephemeral) ID signal. In someembodiments, transmission 1112 may be performed via short-rangecommunications, such as BLE, Zigbee, NFC, or the like. Similarly. In oneembodiment, this is done by the app in the background essentially whenthe beacon 1102 apparatus is powered on. In other embodiments, the appcan be terminated or, in contrast, be in the foreground, and betransmitting a universal, personal ID signal. In various embodiments,reader 1104 may determine whether the ephemeral ID is in the properformat. If not, reader 1104 may ignore it, and if so, reader 1104 maygenerate a request. In some embodiments, the app is also able to detecta request 1114 from a device 1104 and respond. Although the beacon 1102has the universal ID signal app from the service provider 1106, it doesnot need anything from the device 1104 manufacturer in order to receivethe request from the device 1104 or respond to it. As noted above, theinvention bypasses any form of a “silo” arrangement or framework. Thesensors in the devices that are scanning can connect to the beacons.

At step 604 the beacon 1102 receives 1114 a request from the device. Theapp is able to either recognize the request or not. If it does notrecognize the request from the device 1104 or has not seen a requestfrom the device 1104 for a long time (a time exceeding a predeterminedthreshold), control goes to step 606. In various embodiments, device1104 may determine whether a session is active based upon identifyinginformation from user device 1102. For example, device 1104 maydetermine whether portions of the ephemeral ID 1112 are cached withindevice 1104. The ephemeral ID may be cached by device 1104 in step 614,described below, when a session is initiated.

In some embodiments, if there is no active session, the app requests1116 a non-repeatable value or nonce from the device and a fixed uniqueID for that device. In some embodiments, the nonce may be random data,pseudo random data, or data selected from a predetermined set of data.In other embodiments, this ID can come from the service provider serveror through other means, such as through an ID tag via near-fieldcommunication or an iBeacon associated with the device. In otherembodiments, in response to the transmission 1112 of the ephemeral ID,reader 1104 may provide 1118 the identifiers. At step 606 the appreceives 1118 these values. At step 608 the app 1102 connects to theservice provider server 1106 and transmits 1128 these two values to theserver 1106. In various embodiments, transmissions between user device1102 and server 1106 are typically rf communication using WiFi, cellularservice (e.g. 4G, 5G, etc.), or the like.

In some embodiments, assuming the server 1106 is able to identify theunique ID as belonging to the device 1104, and assuming the user ofdevice 1102 is authorized, server 1106 grants access between the device1104 and the beacon 1102. The server 1106 uses the nonce for deriving atoken as described below. More specifically, it enables access controland security by transmitting 1120 an array of tokens to the smart phone1102. the server 1106 cannot recognize the device from the ID ordetermines that there is no interest from the user in accessing orinteracting with the device, then tokens are not passed to thesmartphone. In some cases, metadata may be passed 1122 to the smartphonewhich provides publicly available, insecure information related to thedevice such that the user can act on the information (e.g. options). Forexample, the device 1104 may be a public device, such as a kiosk orparking meter, and although most of the time the user is likely toignore the device, if the user wants to learn more about the device(e.g., remaining parking time or rate), the user would be able to do sowith the data returned by the dedicated server. In one embodiment, atoken has one component that is derived from combining the nonce, theunique device ID, device-specific data, time-limited data, userrestrictions, and so on. In one aspect of the present invention thatcommunications between the device 1104 and user 1102 be secure. All thevalues and factors that go into making the token play a critical role inmaking the entire universal ID signal framework secure.

The second component of a single token is referred to as a payloadsection and contains data on user preferences and generally to the userand device. In one embodiment, each token in the array is valid for alimited time period, such as for a few minutes, hours, or days. An arraymay have a few hundred tokens and can be used to prove validity from afew hours to several days. For example, for commercial building access,a token may last for 4-5 hours and be replenished often to ensure thatthere are tokens to last the user through the day.

In another embodiment, where access to a service provider server may notbe available, tokens can be generated on a device, such as a lock, usingother factors, such as biometrics fingerprint, voice recognition, facerecognition or retina scanner part of the device, geo-location,expiration time, and so on. These features can also be used even ifthere is access to the service provider server to provide strongersecurity. As is known in the art, a token is a signed data item,intended to be used once and discarded (as does an entire array oftokens). Getting back to the importance of security in a universal IDsignal framework, the array of tokens that is sent 1120 from the serviceprovider server 1106 to the smart phone 1102, together with othersecurity features, prevents possible hacking and malfeasance, forinstance, “replaying” or emulation (harmful devices emulating valid,authorized devices), among others.

At step 612 the app passes 1124 one of the tokens from the array or theentire array of tokens to the device 1104. In some embodiments, thetoken may pass 1124 via BLE, and in other embodiments, the token maypass via other channel (e.g. NFC, or the like). The device validates thetokens and interactions between the user and the device can begin. Morespecifically, the universal ID signal software module on the device 1104validates the tokens and sends 1126 a message to the smart phone statingthat they can now communicate. Upon receiving this message, at step 614the beacon creates a session and the two can now interact. As disclosedabove in FIG. 10, the session may include communicating optionsavailable, receiving user selections, and the like.

Returning to step 604, if the beacon 1102 app recognizes the request1114 from the device 1104, control continues with step 616 where asession between the smartphone and the device is already active. Asdiscussed above, determining whether a session is active may beperformed based upon cached data within device 1104 (e.g. another token,a MAC address of user device 1102), the ephemeral ID 1112 provided byuser device 1102, a challenge and response between device 1104 and userdevice 1102 based upon a key from a token, or the like. This session maybe the same type as the one created at step 614.

The array of tokens may be stored in a cache or local storage on thesmartphone. By doing so, the smartphone 1102 does not have to be online;it can be offline and operate fast. At step 618 the smartphone continuespassing 1124 tokens to the device. The smartphone keeps the tokens for apredetermined amount of time, a threshold of time that balances securityand user convenience, for example, a few hours. After that time hasexpired, the app on smart phone 1102 gets a new array of tokens from theservice provider 1106. If they have not expired, the smartphone can keepusing the tokens in the array. At step 620 the interaction between theuser 1102 and the device 1104 can resume. In this manner, that is byexecuting the operations in steps 604 to 614 or steps 604, 616, 618, and620, a secure, truly universal ID signal that is usable by manydifferent types of devices (from various manufacturers) and users can beimplemented.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a process of operations that occur on thedevice 1104 when the device 1104 is online in accordance with oneembodiment. At step 702 the service provider server 1106 receives arequest 1130 from a device, for example a car or an appliance, forauthenticating a user 1102. It is helpful to note that a device 1104 canonly see users who have allowed that specific device to recognize or seethem (a category of devices or a specific manufacturer or member groupmay also be specified). Similarly, in some physical environments, suchas a workplace or other secured area, a user is only allowed to seedevices that an overseeing entity (e.g., employer) says she is allowedto see or recognize. Such embodiments may be based upon identifiers thatare transmitted 1118. If the user device 1102 is not allowed torecognize a reader 1104, based upon the reader's identifiers, thecommunication may terminate. In other contexts, a device maker may onlywant users with certain features or characteristics to be able to see orrecognize its devices. Various types of scenarios are possible in whicheither the user or the device maker or owner, manager, and the like canset security protocols regarding who or what can be recognized using theuniversal ID signal. For example, one benefit of this type of securityis that it prevents the equivalent of spamming on both sides. In allscenarios, the underlying security principle that is implemented in thevarious embodiments of the invention is that either side—user ordevice—only gets to see and receive what it needs to in order tointeract and can only get to that point if the user or device isauthorized to see the other. At step 704 the service provider serverchecks user access controls to see if the user is authorized to use thedevice and if so what controls or limits are there. There are differenttechniques or transport mechanisms for how this user access controlcheck can be performed by the service provider. For example, in oneembodiment, there may be an out-of-band token exchange or a tokenserver. The common factor is translating the random, non-identifying ID(e.g. ephemeral ID) for the user that was transmitted 1112 initially tothe device 1104 into a full set of information about the user. Thisinformation can be used in a permission check process. At step 706,assuming the user is authenticated, the service provider servertransmits 1132 the payload to the device 1104 so now the device knowsthe user's preferences, permissions, interaction history, and otherinformation. At step 708 the user 1102 and device 1104 can beginsubstantive interaction.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a process that occurs on the device when thedevice is offline in accordance with one embodiment. The end goal ofthis process is essentially the same as that of FIG. 7, except here thedevice 1104 does not communicate with the service provider server 1108.At step 802 the device makes a request 1114 for an array of tokens fromthe user. The nature and characteristics of this array of tokens are thesame as the token array described above. At step 804 the device 1104receives 1124 a token from the beacon 1102. At step 806 the device 1104proceeds with verifying the token using only local resources. In variousembodiments, it can verify or check the signature in the tokens, it cancheck to ensure it has not expired or has not been used before. Throughthese means and others, if available locally, the device authenticatesthe user and interaction between the user (who may or may not be online)and the offline device can begin. As discussed above, this may includeproviding 1134 payload data associated with the user and user device1102, (e.g. a persistent ID, an employee badge number, a store loyaltycard, an account number, a stored-value card number, a credit or debitcard, telephone number, email address, etc.) that is stored within thetoken to back-end server 1110.

As noted above, with regard to security, one notable aspect of that isembedded in the validation period of a token. This period can vary froma few minutes to several weeks. A token for a coffee machine may last 20days whereas for a lock or for making payments, a token may expire afterone hour. This security feature is typically set by the devicemanufacturer; they decide how long to wait before a user has tore-authenticate with the device. Generally, users will have little inputin this regard. Another scenario not described in FIGS. 7 and 8 is whenthe device 1104 and smartphone 1102 are both unable to reach a serviceprovider 1106 or dedicated server and have not connected or interactedwith each other before. In this scenario, even though the smartphone hasthe universal ID signal app and the device registered with the serviceprovider, there is no recognition of each other, let alone anyinteraction.

In various embodiments, if a back-end server 1110 is used, as describedabove, options may be provided 1104 to device 1104 and to smart phone1102, and in response back-end server 110 may receive 1138 a userselection of an option. Back-end server 1110 may then instruct or cause1140 peripheral device 1108 to perform an action for the user, asdiscussed above, such as to unlock a door, control a television, providea product (e.g. a vending machine), etc. In other embodiments, if aback-end server 1110 is not used, device 1104 may directly instruct 1150peripheral device to perform the action.

FIG. 9 illustrates a functional block diagram of various embodiments ofthe present invention. More specifically, a user smart device andcloud-based servers may be implemented with a subset or superset of thebelow illustrated components. In FIG. 9, a computing device 900typically includes an applications processor 902, memory 904, a display906 (e.g. touch screen) and driver 908, an image acquisition device 910,audio input/output devices 912, and the like. Additional communicationsfrom and to computing device are typically provided by via a wiredinterface 914, a GPS/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth interface/UWB 916, RF interfaces918 and driver 920, and the like. Also included in some embodiments arephysical sensors 922 (e.g. MEMS-based accelerometers, gyros, etc.).

In various embodiments, computing device 900 may be a hand-heldcomputing device (e.g. Apple iPad, Microsoft Surface, Samsung GalaxyNote, an Android Tablet); a smart phone (e.g. Apple iPhone, GooglePixel, Samsung Galaxy S); a portable computer (e.g. netbook, laptop,convertible), a media player (e.g. Apple iPod); a reading device (e.g.Amazon Kindle); a fitness tracker (e.g. Fitbit, Apple Watch, Garmin,Motiv or the like); a headset (e.g. Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, SonyPlaystationVR); a wearable device (e.g. Motiv smart ring, smartheadphones); or the like. Typically, computing device 900 may includeone or more processors 902. Such processors 902 may also be termedapplication processors, and may include a processor core, avideo/graphics core, and other cores. Processors 902 may be a processorfrom Apple (A11, A12), NVidia (Tegra), Intel (Core), Qualcomm(Snapdragon), Samsung (Exynos), or the like. It is contemplated thatother existing and/or later-developed processors may be used in variousembodiments of the present invention.

In various embodiments, memory 904 may include different types of memory(including memory controllers), such as flash memory (e.g. NOR, NAND),SRAM, DDR SDRAM, or the like. Memory 904 may be fixed within computingdevice 900 and may include removable (e.g. SD, SDHC, MMC, MINI SD, MICROSD, CF, SIM). The above are examples of computer readable tangible mediathat may be used to store embodiments of the present invention, such ascomputer-executable software code (e.g. firmware, application programs),security applications, application data, operating system data,databases or the like. It is contemplated that other existing and/orlater-developed memory and memory technology may be used in variousembodiments of the present invention.

In various embodiments, touch screen display 906 and driver 908 may bebased upon a variety of later-developed or current touch screentechnology including resistive displays, capacitive displays, opticalsensor displays, electromagnetic resonance, or the like. Additionally,touch screen display 906 may include single touch or multiple-touchsensing capability. Any later-developed or conventional output displaytechnology may be used for the output display, such as IPS, OLED,Plasma, electronic ink (e.g. electrophoretic, electrowetting,interferometric modulating), or the like. In various embodiments, theresolution of such displays and the resolution of such touch sensors maybe set based upon engineering or non-engineering factors (e.g. sales,marketing). In some embodiments, display 906 may integrated intocomputing device 900 or may be separate.

In some embodiments of the present invention, image capture device 910may include one or more sensors, drivers, lenses and the like. Thesensors may be visible light, infrared, and/or UV sensitive sensors thatare based upon any later-developed or convention sensor technology, suchas CMOS, CCD, or the like. In various embodiments of the presentinvention, image recognition software programs are provided to processthe image data. For example, such software may provide functionalitysuch as: facial recognition (e.g. Face ID, head tracking, cameraparameter control, or the like. In various embodiments of the presentinvention, image capture device 910 may provide user input data in theform of a selfie, biometric data, or the like.

In various embodiments, audio input/output 912 may include conventionalmicrophone(s)/speakers. In various embodiments, voice processing and/orrecognition software may be provided to applications processor 902 toenable the user to operate computing device 900 by stating voicecommands. In various embodiments of the present invention, audio input912 may provide user input data in the form of a spoken word or phrase,or the like, as described above. In some embodiments, audio input/output912 may be integrated into computing device 900 or may be separate.

In various embodiments, wired interface 914 may be used to provide datatransfers between computing device 900 and an external source, such as acomputer, a remote server, a storage network, another computing device900, a client device, or the like. Embodiments may include anylater-developed or conventional physical interface/protocol, such as:USB, micro USB, mini USB, Firewire, Apple Lightning connector, Ethernet,POTS, or the like. Additionally, software that enables communicationsover such networks is typically provided.

In various embodiments, a wireless interface 916 may also be provided toprovide wireless data transfers between computing device 900 andexternal sources, such as computers, storage networks, headphones,microphones, cameras, or the like. As illustrated in FIG. 9, wirelessprotocols may include Wi-Fi (e.g. IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n, WiMAX),Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) IR, near field communication(NFC), ZigBee, Ultra-Wide Band (UWB), mesh communications, and the like.

GPS receiving capability may also be included in various embodiments ofthe present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 9, GPS functionality isincluded as part of wireless interface 916 merely for sake ofconvenience, although in implementation, such functionality may beperformed by circuitry that is distinct from the Wi-Fi circuitry, theBluetooth circuitry, and the like. In various embodiments of the presentinvention, GPS receiving hardware may provide user input data in theform of current GPS coordinates, or the like, as described above.

Additional wireless communications may be provided via RF interfaces 918and drivers 920 in various embodiments. In various embodiments, RFinterfaces 918 may support any future-developed or conventional radiofrequency communications protocol, such as CDMA-based protocols (e.g.WCDMA), GSM-based protocols, HSUPA-based protocols, G4, G5, or the like.In the embodiments illustrated, driver 920 is illustrated as beingdistinct from applications processor 902. However, in some embodiments,these functionality are provided upon a single IC package, for examplethe Marvel PXA330 processor, and the like. It is contemplated that someembodiments of computing device 900 need not include the wide area RFfunctionality provided by RF interface 918 and driver 920.

In various embodiments, any number of future developed or currentoperating systems may be supported, such as iPhone OS (e.g. iOS), GoogleAndroid, Linux, Windows, MacOS, or the like. In various embodiments ofthe present invention, the operating system may be a multi-threadedmulti-tasking operating system. Accordingly, inputs and/or outputs fromand to touch screen display 906 and driver 908 and inputs/or outputs tophysical sensors 810 may be processed in parallel processing threads. Inother embodiments, such events or outputs may be processed serially, orthe like. Inputs and outputs from other functional blocks may also beprocessed in parallel or serially, in other embodiments of the presentinvention, such as image acquisition device 910 and physical sensors922.

FIG. 9 is representative of one computing device 900 capable ofembodying the present invention. It will be readily apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art that many other hardware and softwareconfigurations are suitable for use with the present invention.Embodiments of the present invention may include at least some but neednot include all of the functional blocks illustrated in FIG. 9. Forexample, a smart phone configured to perform may of the functionsdescribed above includes most if not all of the illustratedfunctionality. As another example, a biometric acquisition device, e.g.a smart ring, may include some of the functional blocks in FIG. 9, itneed not include a high-resolution display 930 or touch screen driver940, a camera 950, a speaker/microphone 960, wired interfaces 970, orthe like. In still other embodiments, a cloud-based server may notinclude image acquisition device 912, MEMS devices 922, a touchscreendisplay 906, and the like.

FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram according to some embodiments of thepresent invention. More specifically, FIG. 12 illustrates a blockdiagram of a reader device 1200 described herein and illustrated asreader 1104 and 1104 in FIGS. 11 and 12. In some embodiments, device1200 includes an rf control module 1202, a controller 1204, memory 1206,an accelerometer 1208, visual/haptic output 1210, audio output 1212,antennas 1214, interface bus 1216, and an interface module 1218.

In some embodiments, controller 1204 may be embodied as a NordicnRF52832 system on a chip, suitable for controlling Bluetooth low energy(BLE) communications and for performing various functionalitiesdescribed herein. Controller 1204 may include a processor, such as a32-bit ARM® Cortex®-M4F CPU and include 512 kB to 124 kB RAM. In variousembodiments, other types of SoC controllers may also be used, such asBlue Gecko from Silicon Labs, CC2508 from TI, or the like. Controller1202 may be embodied as a muRata 1LD Wi-Fi/BLE module, suitable forcontrolling Bluetooth low energy (BLE) and Wi-Fi communications.Controller 1202 may include a processor, such as a 32-bit ARM®Cortex®-M4. In various embodiments, other types of controllers may alsobe used, such as CYW43012 from Cypress, or the like. In someembodiments, modules 1202 and 1204 enable communication via short rangecommunications protocols, such as BLE, Zigbee, or the like. Modules 1202and 1204 may also support mesh networking via BLE, Wi-Fi 12, or thelike. In some embodiments, module 1202 also supports Wi-Ficommunications to communicate over a wide-area network (e.g. Internet).

In various embodiments, memory 1206 may include non-volatile memorystoring embodiments of the executable software code described herein. Insome embodiments, the memory may be SRAM, Flash memory, or the like. InFIG. 12, audio/haptic output 1212 is provided to give a visitor withaudio feedback or haptic feedback and visual output 1202 is provided togive a visitor visual feedback in response to the visitor approachingreader device 1200. In some embodiments, visual output 1202 may be oneor more LED lights having different colored outputs, may be a statusdisplay panel. The feedback may be provided to the visitor based uponthe visitor's security application running upon the smart device andinteracting with reader device 1200. For example, if the smart devicedoes not have the proper credentials for reader device 1200, a harshbuzzing sound may be played by audio output 1210, and a red flashinglight may be output by visual output 1210; if the smart device isauthenticated with reader device 1200, a bell ding sound may be playedand the text “OK” may be displayed on a display; if the smart device isnot authenticated with reader device 1200, an audio message and textualmessage may be output: “Not authenticated. For access, please call” orthe like.

Accelerometer 1228 is provided in some embodiments to determine whetherreader device 1200 is tampered with. For example, after installed andoperable on a mounting location (e.g. on a wall), accelerometer 1228monitors the orientation of accelerometer 1228 with respect to gravity.If a party attempts to remove reader device 1200 from a mountingsurface, accelerometer 1228 will be able to sense the change inorientation. Based upon the change in orientation exceeding a threshold,a number of actions may be taken by reader device 1200. One action maybe to cease operation of reader device 1200, another action may be toalert a remote server of the tampering, and the like. In otherembodiments, other physical sensors, e.g. pressure sensors, lightsensors, gyroscopes, and the like may be used. Such embodiments may alsoprovide tamper detection indication.

In FIG. 12, interface 1216 is used to couple reader device 1200 tointerface module 1218. In various embodiments, interface module 1218interfaces with any number of external functional modules. In oneconfiguration, an external functional module 1220 may be a peripheraldevice under control, e.g. an electronically controlled door latch, atelevision, a vending machine, a computer, an electronic panel, anautomobile, a kiosk or the like; in another configuration, externalfunctional module 1220 may be an existing module that is configured toread conventional low frequency or high frequency (LF/HF/UHF/etc.) basedproximity cards or badges; and the like. In some embodiments, externalreader module 1220 may be an existing reader mounted upon a wall, or thelike. In some embodiments, interface 1216 may provide power to readermodule 1200, interface 1216 may transmit data from reader device 1200 tointerface module 1218 (e.g. credentials), provide power or the like.

In one configuration, rf control module 1202 is not used, and only oneBLE antenna 1214 is provided; in another configuration, modules 1202 and1204 are both used, and two BLE antennas 1214 are used (one specificallyfor scanning for ephemeral IDs within a geographic region and onespecifically for handling communications with a smart device). Suchembodiments are particularly useful in high volume situations whereinone BLE antenna may receive ephemeral IDs from many different smartdevices (e.g. 12 users walking down a hall near a security door orvending machine), whereas the other BLE antenna will provide thecredentials and receive tokens from the specific users' smart phones whowant to interact with the reader (e.g. to enter the security door, toreceive a good, to access a computer or the like). In other embodiments,other channels may be used to provide the above communications, such asshort-range Wi-Fi, Zigbee, NFC, ANT, or the like.

In still another configuration, additional modules 1222 may be providedto add additional functionality to reader module 1200. In someembodiments, module 1222 may be an rf encoding module that converts dataassociated with the user (e.g. a badge number) into a format (e.g.LF/HF/UHF badge or tag) that is readable by a conventional RFID card orbadge reader. In some embodiments, module 1222 may include one orbiometric capture devices that capture biometric data of a userassociated with a smart device. In some embodiments, biometric data mayinclude facial data, voice data, eye data (e.g. iris, retina, bloodvessel), print data (e.g. fingerprints, palm print, blood vessel),movement data (e.g. signature, movement, gait), and the like that may beused to facilitate authentication of the visitor.

In one embodiment systems and methods are provided for universalpresence detection and interactions. As a non-limiting example, theuniversal ID signal is created that represents clients, people or otherobjects hereafter “first party” where any system, sensor or software candetect that signal and queries it for relevant information for servingthe person or object. As a non-limiting example this entails a method ofturning mobile devices, wearables or biochips and the like hereafter“device” into a personal transponder (e.g. transceiver) that emits aunique signal via Bluetooth low energy as in one instance to representthe presence of the person, e.g., user. Things around the user candetect the signal and can transform the signal into a meaningfulmetadata that represents the person or object of the signal.

In one embodiment systems and methods are provided for instant executionof actions through wireless connections. As a non-limiting example thisincorporates a peripheral and central mode of operation is used toobtain a token. The token is only executed when it is within a thresholdto make for an instant action. By scanning the address or otheridentifier of the device, and keeping a token cached locally in theembedded system, the embedded system can then act instantly on anycommand/intent that the mobile client triggers such that there is no lagbetween the intent and the performed action.

In one embodiment systems and methods are provided for sensing thepresence of identifiable objects. As a non-limiting sensor technology isused that scans and primes objects nearby which emits a unique universalID signal. As a non-limiting example, the sensor can trigger an emitterto provide specific information about it or the emitter of the presenceuniversal ID signal can detect the scanner and do the same. In thisembodiment systems and methods are provided of turning a sensor intoboth a peripheral and central device for the purposes of detecting thepresence of objects nearby. This can be used to securely make thehandshake and reduce the load on the first party by using the scanner onthe sensor to do most of the hard work to not overload the peripheralmodes.

In another embodiment systems and methods are provided for passivedetection and identification of passengers, first party, on a movingvehicle. As a non-limiting example this can include use of anaccelerometer and a signaling protocol to conclude that the object beingsensed is in fact travelling with the vehicle that the sensor isattached to. Steps are taken with the universal ID signal and sharescommands between the sensor the passenger to trigger a confirmation thatthe passenger is travelling on the vehicle. The main use case is tosense when people are travelling on a bus or train and to be able to dothings such as process payments for the traveler automatically or totrack the passenger's route.

In another embodiment systems and methods are provided to secure offlineinteractions. As a non-limiting example, a method is provided forcollecting a plurality of commands on the first party and a bloom filteris used on the sensor side to certify a secure command through BLE(Bluetooth low energy) has happened without any fall back over theinternet. As a non-limiting example this method can be used to issue anytype of command, including but not limited to payments, metadata, andthe like, between things and a sensor with limited storage capacitywithin proximity without the need for an internet connection.

In another embodiment systems and methods are provided for securephysical payment processing over wireless local networks. As anon-limiting example, a method of handshaking the connection to aPOS/terminal and the first party's mobile device is used where bothsides are securely verified. Once an amount is entered in a terminal andapplied to the detected entity the payment is batched and processed onthe back end. In this manner there is no exchange of payment informationbetween the terminal and the first party for a safer and secure paymentprocess. In this embodiment the system defines that things are done in aunique way for anything which as non-limiting examples can be GoogleHand's Free, Apple Pay and the like.

In one embodiment systems and methods are provided for wirelessidentification for connecting second party account services access via aproxy agent. As non-limiting examples the system and method allowdevices to detect the first party and access first party accountsincluding but not limited to: Andorra, Netflix, one or more Calendars,an Amazon Account, and the like, through a proxy agent. As anon-limiting use case is the ability to walk up to any Echo like deviceand it instantly recognizes and can say “Hello first party X” and firstparty X can say to it “play my easy music station on Pandora”, havingnever used the device before or having to set up first party X'sspecific account with the Echo device. This is an improvement over theneed to set up an account and limit these devices to just the users withaccounts set to them. Another use case is the ability to use any TVScreen and X's avatar shows. As non-limiting examples as first party Xtaps it all of its' Netflix shows, YouTube videos, and the like, show upfor first party X and to instantly play it. As first party X walks awayit all disappears. All of this exposes an oath to the Netflix account offirst party X to the TV software to start playing it without forcingfirst party X to do another separated Netflix login on the TV.

In another embodiment systems and methods are provided for wirelessidentification of fixed and roaming objects. As a non-limiting exampleobjects are discovered wirelessly. As non-limiting examples this can beachieved by using this to cover the use case of being able to create awireless (barcode like identifier) that every device can emit to beidentified, including but not limited to, the VIN of a car, a serialnumber of a customer electronic, and the like. This identification canthen be used for situations such as auto paying for parking meters andparking and getting access to buildings, and the like. As anothernon-limiting example this can be used for turning people into beacons.In this manner each individual object then has its own identity beacon.

In another embodiment systems and methods are used for bi-directionalcommunicating beacons. As a non-limiting example this can be one of abi-directional beacon that can not only emit an advertising packet butcan also scan for advertisements to query things around it for usefulinformation or metadata that can be used to serve the subject. Thelimitation of beacons is that they all require a corresponding app thatlistening for the specific beacon to be of any use. By creating abi-directional beacon, it can serve people that have the apps. It canalso serve people who do not have the apps but detects their presencesignature to serve them. This provides a self-contained beacon devicesimilar to current beacons, that operates in both peripheral and centralmodes for the bi-direction natures of detection and communications.

In another embodiment systems and methods are provided for a wirelessdigital driver's license and verified identification. As a non-limitingexample, this creates an electronic driver's license that emits as awireless signal. Police authorities and the like can detect andinstantly query the license by standing next to the first party. Thefirst party never needs to carry a license anymore or present any infoand their privacy is intact with the use of a universal ID signal. Asnon-limiting examples this provides how the first party enters itsinformation into its account, how identification is verified throughseveral methods, as well as how an associated universal ID signalprovides for security to make the universal ID signal securely availableto authorities through their own mobile devices.

In another embodiment systems and methods are provided for automaticallypaying fares on public transport. As a non-limiting example providesfor, (i) automatically detecting passengers who are on a publictransport vehicle, (ii) detects when they get on and off and (iii)processes payment for the fare automatically for them on the back endwithout the user having to do anything.

In another embodiment systems and methods are provided for securedecentralized wireless identification. As a non-limiting example thisprovides for the use of a first party's fingerprint, voice, appearance,and the like to verify identity to some other system without sharing theinformation with second party systems. In one embodiment this isachieved by using the app of the present invention on a device,including but not limited to a mobile device, as the primary validator.A presence protocol is used to bounce the verification step between theproxy detector (fingerprint/scanner, voice/mic, appearance/camera) andthe first party's proxy app such that the first party's identity andbio-info stays within the first party's control and is never shared withany central server or second party system. This provide a securedecentralized method of identification without the need to share firstparty information with others. This can be used for high security needs.It can also be used for additional situations including but not limitedto: buying a new device and using the first party's fingerprint to login and create an account with the device service provider without theneed to fill out any form. The device instantly knows the first partyname and says: “Hello first party X, I'm your new radio, how are youtoday?”. As non-limiting examples this includes but is not limited to:

Vision—face detected and checking that its first patty X by hashingmatching with the face first party X has on its device;

Voice—voice detected and checking that it's the first party by hashingits voice and checking with the proxy app to verify it is the firstparty;

Fingerprints; and

Other Biometrics.

All never leaving the first party's device.

In another embodiment systems and methods are provided for a universalpeople sensor microchip for universal sensing and identifying peopleinteracting with a product or service.

As a non-limiting example this can include a “Universal People Sensor”as a stand-alone dedicated microchip designed to be embeddable in anyconsumer electronic or manufactured product to allow the product detectpeople that are using the product. It can also be used to extractinformation from the person, all without the person downloading aspecific app or the device creating its own sensor. As a non-limitingexample this provides a method to create the sensor, and how the sensordoes what it does to identify and extract data from first parties. Inone embodiment this includes how a microchip can be designed and itssystem and methods to behave as a universal people sensor microchip forthe purposes of being something that other manufacturers can embed intotheir products as a plug-n-play system.

In another embodiment systems and methods are provided for wirelesslytransmitting a first part's personal preference. As a non-limitingexample this can include a way for any first person to beam out theirreferences to devices around them. As a non-limiting example thisincludes how a first person can enter how they like their coffee in anapp where a first-person account holds their personal preferences, andthe app will make that information available to any coffee machine orcoffee shop the first person walks into. In this embodiment collecting,organizing and beaming out a first person's personal preference areprovided in a universal way, not as a locked in siloed way which is howall apps/iota devices currently do things.

In another embodiment systems and methods are provided for physicalaccess identification using facial recognition. As a non-limitingexample, a way is provided to identify a first party and grant themaccess based on them emitting a universal ID signal that verifies whothey are to the reader as a first factor. A reader with a camera uses acamera image to match the face that the first party has in its accountas a second factor. Learning algorithms can be utilized to better matchthe face every time the first party walks into a door.

In another embodiment systems and methods are provided for physicalaccess identification of a first party using voice recognition. As anon-limiting example, a first party Is identified and then grantedaccess based on emitting a universal ID signal that verifies who thefirst party is to a reader as a first factor. The reader has amicrophone and requires the first party user to say “open” to match thevoice pattern to that of a pre-recorded voice pattern as part of thefirst party signup process. The reader then matches the voice patternthat the first party has in its account as a second factor. Learningalgorithms can be used to better match the voice every time the firstparty walks into a door.

In another embodiment systems and methods detect tailgating activitiesusing wireless sensors and personal devices. As a non-limiting example,a method is provided to detect if a possible tailgating event hasoccurred by requiring all occupants to carry with them a mobile devicethat emits a unique universal ID signal that represents them to areader, paired with other sensors such as thermal imaging or peoplecounter sensors, such that the combined data allows us to count thereare two proxy users. When there are three people passing through thedoor one is a tailgater. Several technologies can be utilized forcounting people including but not limited to WIFI, ultrasound and thelike. As a non-limiting example, he combination of such technologiesworking with the universal ID signal helps to surface tailgating events.

In another embodiment systems and methods are provided for autonomousvehicle identification of passengers for intended locking, unlocking andpersonalization. As a non-limiting example this provides a method thatthe autonomous cars use a universal ID signal to detect if they are theright passenger they are supposed to pick up without the first partyhaving to do anything. Since cars are required to be locked in motion,autonomous cars need a way to only unlock for the right passenger on thesidewalk such that a random person doesn't jump in the car instead. Thecar can also use a universal ID signal to personalize the driveexperience and to show a screen identifying to the passenger that thiscar is allocated to that first party. In this manner the problem of onecar maker and one app problem is resolved by allowing all cars to usethe same universal ID signal in such a way that the car software canpull in the relevant information needed to give the passenger both apersonalized experience and secure/efficient pick up and openexperience.

In another embodiment systems and methods are provided for machine tomachine proximity payment transactions. As a non-limiting example thiscovers a way for independent machines to send payments to each otherwithout requiring credit cards or a first party to intermediate. Thisallows for machine to machine transactions to occur. As a non-limitingexample this can include: autonomous cars to pay for parking directly toa parking meter without first party involvement, e.g., it is achievedpassively.

In one embodiment an inductive charging of a lock via cylindrical latchmechanism is provided. As a non-limiting example, a charge lock deviceis provided by an inductive coil within a latch mechanism and coilsaround a slot that the latch goes into to lock a door.

In one embodiment inductive charging of lock is provided via a lockfaceplate and a lock device is charged by inductive coils positionedaround door/frame faceplates.

In one embodiment inductive charging of phone devices is provided on acar body. As a non-limiting example, a first party's phone is charged byplacing it on the bonnet of the car, for future cars that use the firstparty's phone as the key as a backup when the phone is dead is can stillcharge and allows entrance into the car.

In one embodiment any AI (assistant AI and voice command AI) can tap theuniversal ID signal representing the first party queries it for usefulinformation to serve the first.

In one embodiment a knock can be provided on the first party's phone totrigger a command to unlock a door in proximity.

In one embodiment first party phone sensors are used to fingerprint thefirst party such that access to a building is only granted if it's theowner of the phone. As a non-limiting example this can be appliedspecifically for access control and other use cases where the firstparty needs to be identified by its phone.

In one embodiment a first party driver with the universal ID signal anda car with a Universal ID sensor that verifies the first party can drivethe car and enabled ignition and a combination of the first party, carand garage sensing gives access to the car and first party driver forsecure vehicle access.

In one embodiment an organization with a fleet of cars can authorize adriver with insurance information switches over to the car and driverfor the duration of the trip. This can be used as well for a rental carsituation.

In one embodiment energy harvesting is achieved via weight and coil forBeacons in high vibration environments, including but not limited tobuses, cars and the like.

In one embodiment energy harvesting is provided charging door devicesusing a hinge of a door to charge by the motion of the open and closingswinging door to charge via gears.

In one embodiment Idea a first person's universal ID signal (from apedestrian's phone) in traffic for cars and public transport detectspedestrians and cyclists on the road. Transport/traffic systems can useit to optimize public transport and road traffic.

In one embodiment a system presence hub is plugged into a power socketin a garage that then emits a RF signal to open the garage door as thefirst party drives to the garage. This requires no installation and islike how a first party programs its garage relative to obtaining a newtransponder.

In one embodiment an edge system is provided that includes systems andmethods to enable controller-less access control for easy installationand integration into any electrified door system.

In one embodiment background a firmware OTA update system and method areprovided.

In one embodiment systems and methods allow second parties to leverage asystem presence system to be able to detect their beacons withoutneeding first parties to download their own apps.

In one embodiment a bio-chip is provided that emits the universal IDsignal which allows any system to detect it and use it to serve thefirst party in a secure and private way.

In one embodiment a universal way is provided that provides for a car tobe able to give a first party a personalized experience by detecting theuniversal ID signal.

In one embodiment the universal ID signal allows an augmented realitysystem to use it to identify and provide relevant information of peopleaugmented in the system.

In one embodiment a cached token system and methodology are provided viathe universal ID signal.

In one embodiment rotating mac addresses of mobile devices to ensure apersistent signal is achieved using the universal ID signal. Suchsystems can use the universal ID signal without having to track andmonitor the mac address, e.g., a challenge-response exchange.

In one embodiment the universal ID signal is used for logical access asa second factor auth.

In one embodiment a FPGA is used to enable the universal sensor to beuniversally compatible with any embedded system by programmaticallyenabling it to be configured to work with any interface protocol.

In one embodiment a process is provided of using a phone's magnetometerto determine directionality at an access point, i.e. entering or exitingthe door.

In one embodiment each device is represented individually by a card butaccessed collectively via an app container view. Each can be selectedindividually and be expanded to view details and send/receive commandsfrom the associated device.

In one embodiment two BLE radios function in a way to solve forlimitations of BLE not being able to connect and interact with hundredsof other devices/phones, as is illustrated in FIG. 12. As a non-limitingexample one radio tracks broadcasts presence of the reader device andscans for presence of smart devices, and the other radio is used to pairthe reader devices to the smart devices, individually.

In FIG. 13 systems are illustrated including a first user device (e.g. asmart phone, smart watch, ring, tablet, wearable device, augmentedreality glasses) 1302 coupled to a reader 1304 and to a cloud-basedserver 1306, and a peripheral device 1308. FIG. 13 also includes asecond device 1310 or any other device that couples to reader 1304. Insome embodiments, the other types of devices may be other computingdevices, i.e. laptop computers, printers, cameras, microphones, presencesensors (IR, UV), temperature sensors humidity sensors, carbon monoxidesensors, smoke sensors, biometric capture devices, an IR sensor, anambient light sensor, a proximity sensor, a radar sensor, a lasersensor, an RF sensor, a gas sensor, an accelerometer, a microphone, asensor, a smart device, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, amagnetic sensor, and the like. In FIG. 13, a peripheral access controlsystem (PACS) 1316 may be provided in some embodiments to controlperipheral device 1308. In some embodiments, server 1316 may be coupledto cloud-based server 1306. Additionally, a reader device 1336 isillustrated coupled to reader device 1304 and peripheral device 1338. Invarious embodiments, reader device 1336 is configured to controlperipheral device 1338, e.g. security door or gate, computer, controlpanel, or other device described herein.

In some embodiments, reader device 1304 performs several functions wheninteracting with devices including: broadcasting a beacon, scanning fornearby user devices (detecting ephemeral IDs or identifiers); connectingto (and optionally pairing) with devices for secure transfer of data;providing reader identifiers; receiving payload data from devices; andsending such payload data to reporting servers 1334.

FIGS. 14A-F illustrates a block diagram of a process according to someembodiments of the present invention. To better visualize theinteraction between components of embodiments of the present invention,these steps are illustrated with respect to a system block diagramsimilar to that illustrated in FIG. 13.

In FIG. 14A, in some embodiments, upon invitation to users, step 1400,users download and install a security application on their smart-device1302, step 1402 from an application store such as the AppStore, GooglePlay, and the like. In some embodiments, the security application may bean application developed by the assignee of the present patentapplication. Next, using the security application running upon the smartdevice, the users provide identifying information to authenticationserver 1306 via a wide-area network to register device 1402 with thecloud-based security server 1306, step 1404. As a result of these steps,the users and the users' smart phones are personally identified tosecurity server 1306, step 1406. In some embodiments, biometric data mayalso be securely captured from the users and authenticated byauthentication server.

FIG. 14B illustrates a process of registering other devices, such assecond device 1310 with reader 1304. In some embodiments, initiallyidentifiers associated with second devices and destination IP addressare determined, step 1408. The identifiers may be a relatively unique,such as a MAC address, or be any other identifier. In some embodiments,the identifiers may be assigned by an administrator. Next, anadministrator uploads the identifiers and destination IP addresses tothe cloud-based server 1306, step 1410. In some embodiments, this may bedone via a web site or administration web site associated with theadministrator provided by server 1306, or the like. The identifiers anddestination IP addresses may then be downloaded into and stored orcached within one or more readers, such as reader 1304, step 1412. Insome embodiments, this download of data is facilitated by reader 1304being coupled to server 1306 by Wi-Fi, Ethernet, cellular, mesh network,or the like. As a result of these steps, devices such as second device1310 is known to reader 1304 and a destination IP address for datareceived from second device 1310 is known, step 1414.

In some embodiments it is contemplated that a business, for example, mayhave multiple readers throughout its facility. For example, a reader maybe associated with each secure door, secure gate, secure entry point, ina building. Accordingly, in step 1412, each identifier, destinationaddress, or the like specified in step 1410 may be downloaded to eachreader or to particular readers, depending upon the administrator'sdecisions. Additionally, in some cases certain identifiers may beuniquely provided to certain readers, or the like.

In FIG. 14C, initially reader device (e.g. 1304) broadcasts signalsusing one of its short-range radios (e.g. a first radio—BLE), step 1416.Additionally, reader devices enter a scanning mode using one of itsshort-range radios (e.g. BLE, UWB) to monitor for ephemeral ID oridentifier signals from devices, etc., step 1418. In some embodiments,the radio used may be the same radio used in step 1416, or may beanother radio. As examples, a first radio may be used for both steps1416 and 1418 by alternating in time between broadcast and scan modes,or a first radio may be used for step 1416 and a second radio may beused for step 1418.

Next, in some embodiments, user devices, e.g. 1302 may receive thebroadcast signals from reader device 1304 and the security applicationdiscussed in step 1402 may be launched, if the security application isnot already running on the smart devices (or in the background orregistered with the operating system), step 1420. In some embodiments,the security application may be an application developed by the assigneeof the present patent application. In some examples, the operatingsystem may automatically launch the security application or portions ofthe application, in other examples, the user manually runs the securityapplication, or the like. For devices such as device 1310, thisfunctionality is not required.

In some embodiments, responsive to the broadcast signals from readerdevice 1304, devices provide responsive signals (e.g. ephemeral IDs oridentifiers), step 1422. In the example in FIG. 13, user device 1302provides ephemeral ID 1312 and device 1310 provides identifier 1414. Asdescribed above, ephemeral IDs from user devices do not personallyidentify the users to reader 1304. In various embodiments, the ephemeralIDs may include unique MAC addresses, that may be changed or rotated bythe smart devices 1302 over time. In the case of second devices, such asdevice 1310, the MAC address may or may not be rotated or changed overtime.

Next, in some embodiments, reader 1304 receives the ephemeral IDs oridentifiers, step 1424 and determines whether any of the ephemeral IDsit receives are cached, step 1426 or any of the identifiers it receivesare cached, step 1427. As mentioned above, the identifier (e.g. MACaddress) of second device 1310 may be cached in reader 1304 in step 1414above. Additionally, device 1302 may be have previously beenauthenticated by server 1306 with respect to reader 1304, for example,device 1302 may have connected to reader device 1304 earlier in the day.After such transactions, the ephemeral ID of user device 1302 may becached within reader 1304 and checked against incoming ephemeral IDs inthis step. This will be illustrated further below in step 1444.

In various embodiments, if the ephemeral ID is not cached, reader 1304may request and receive any cached tokens from the connected devices(e.g. user device 1302, second deice 1310, or the like), step 1428. Insome embodiments, user device 1302 may be have previously beenauthenticated by server 1306 with respect to reader 1304, and thusserver 1306 provides one or more tokens to user device 1302. User device1302 then caches these tokens and then provides a token to reader 1304in this step.

In response to the tokens, the reader device 1304 determines whether thetoken 1322 is valid/the user is authenticated, step 1430. In someembodiments, all or a portion of the token is encrypted (or digitallysigned) by the security server 1306 possibly using the readeridentifier, nonce, and the like. In this step, the reader device 1304may attempt to decrypt portions of the token or attempt to verify thedigital signature in order to determine the token is valid/determine ifthe user is authenticated.

In various embodiments, if not authorized, the reader device 1304 maysend device 1302 an identification signals 1318 including an identifierof the reader device and additional data (e.g. nonce, random number,pseudo random identifier), step 1432. A nonce, or other random or pseudorandom number may be used to reduce the possibility of a replay-typeattack. The first smart device 1302 may then provide the identifier andthe nonce as well as data identifying the user of device 1302 (e.g. data1320) to the cloud-based security server 1306, in step 1434. In variousembodiments, this is performed automatically by smart device 1302running the security application program, above. In some embodiments,this communication may be performed via cellular radio communications,Wi-Fi, mesh network, or the like.

As was previously discussed in various embodiments above, in response,the security server 1306 may take the identifier, nonce, data associatedwith the users of smart device 1302, and the like to form one or moreunique tokens for the user, step 1436. The one or more tokens 1322 arethen provided to the security application program on smart device 1302,typically via the same communications channels, step 1438. In variousembodiments, data stored in a payload of the token 1322 may include oneor more cryptographic keys. In some examples, the cryptographic key maybe a symmetric key, a cryptographic key pair, or the like. In someexamples, at least the token and one of the cryptographic keys may bestored and maintained upon the first smart device 1302, step 1440. Thesekeys may be used for subsequent challenges and responses between smartdevice 1302 and reader device 1304.

In some embodiments, some or all of the token is then passed 1324 to thereader device 1304 via the first radio, step 1442, for authentication instep 1430. As mentioned above, in response, the reader device 1304determines whether the token 1322 is valid/the user is authenticated,step 1430. In some embodiments, all or a portion of the token isencrypted (or digitally signed) by the security server 1306 possiblyusing the reader identifier, nonce, and the like. In this step, thereader device 1304 may attempt to decrypt portions of the token orattempt to verify the digital signature in order to determine the tokenis valid/determine if the user is authenticated.

After authentication of the tokens, in various embodiments, the one ormore cryptographic keys stored in the payload, as well as the ephemeralID associated with the first smart device 1302 may be stored or cachedin the memory of reader device 1304, step 1444.

Next, in the case of a smart device, e.g. 1302 the reader device 1304may direct 1328 a user perceptible action in a peripheral device 1308,step 1446. For example, the reader device 1304 may unlatch a door,control a servo moto, raise a gate, display a custom greeting to theuser, enable a keyboard, and the like, as was discussed above. In someembodiments, after completion of the user-perceptible activity, reader1304 may also provide an acknowledgement signal 1326 back to user device1302, step 1448. Additionally, reader 1304 may also provide auser-perceptible action, such as an audio output signal, visual outputsignal, or the like.

In various embodiments, when the identifier of device 1310 has beenmatched in reader device 1304, reader device 1304 retrieves theassociated network IP address, or destination that was stored withinreader device 1304 in step 1414, above, step 1452. In the exampleillustrated in FIG. 14, the network destination may be security server1306, reporting server 1334, or the like. In various embodiments,reporting server 1334 may be associated operated or owned by the sameowner of reader 1304, may be associated with a security company, may beassociated with a governmental agency, or the like.

Next, in various embodiments, device 1310 may provide payload data 1330to reader 1304, step 1454. In various embodiments, as mentioned above,device 1310 may be a data acquisition device, e.g. a video camera, asensor, a computer, etc. and payload data 1330 may include streaming orstatic audio and video data, or the like. Subsequently, reader device1304 may upload 1332 the payload data or portions along with anidentifier to the provided network address, e.g. to reporting server1334, Step 1456. In various embodiments, the communication may occur byany conventional manner, e.g. Wi-Fi, Ethernet, mesh-network, Bluetooth,or the like. In some embodiments where data is repeatedly received fromdevice 1310, steps 1454 and 1456 may be repeated without returning tothe steps in FIG. 14C. For example, video data may be continually sentfrom device 1310 to reader device 1304, and reader device 1304 maycontinually provide such data to reporting server 1334.

As illustrated in FIG. 14F, in various embodiments, in a separateprocess in the reader device 1304, some of the data received above (e.g.one or more cryptographic keys, ephemeral IDs, identifiers, keys, etc.),are stored in a memory or cache, step 1458. In some embodiments, each ofthese data have associated time stamps, that specify an amount of time,for example 1 hour, 2 hours, 8 hours, 24 hours, or the like or anexpiration time. In one process, these time stamps or expiration timeare compared to a current time stamp, step 1460. In some cases, when thetime stamp has expired or passed, the cached or stored data may beflushed from the cache or marked as invalid, step 1462.

In some embodiments, an ephemeral ID of a device 1302 may not be cachedin the reader device 1304 memory in step 1436, although device 1302 hadrecently been authenticated with the reader device 1304. In someexamples, this may be due to the ephemeral ID of the smart devicerotating or changing to another ephemeral ID. This automatic change inephemeral ID may occur for the sake of privacy. As an example of this,at 9 O'clock, a smart device 1302 may have presented a first ephemeralID and a valid token to the reader device 1304 that is good for a 6-hoursession, and reader device 1304 caches the first ephemeral ID andportions of the token (including the key). Then at 10 O'clock, theephemeral ID of the smart device changes from the first ephemeral ID toa second ephemeral ID. If the smart device 1302 then approaches thereader device 1304 at 11 O'clock, the reader device 1304 will notrecognize the second ephemeral ID, as only the first ephemeral ID wascached.

In some embodiments, the following steps may then be used to determinewhether the smart device 1302 is nevertheless authenticated, betweensteps 1426 and 1427. More specifically, the reader device 1304 may firstcreate a challenge. The challenge is then sent to the smart device 1302.In various embodiments, the challenge may include a random characterstring, a predetermined character string, an encrypted string, a nonce,a time stamp, or the like. In response to the challenge, the smartdevice 1302 may use the cryptographic key stored in the payload of theprevious token (step 1440), to encrypt the challenge, digitally sign thechallenge, or the like. The signed challenge response is then typicallysent back to the reader device 1304.

In some embodiments, the reader device 1304 may use the cryptographickey previously cached (step 1444) to determine whether the signedchallenge (a response) is valid. In some embodiments, the cryptographickeys may be symmetric, a key pair, or the like. In other embodiments, ahashing algorithm with a nonce, or the like may be used for verificationpurposes. In some examples, if the challenge was properly signed, thereader device 1304 may update the cache with the second ephemeral ID,step 1444. As can be seen from the above, caching of ephemeral IDs andcomparing ephemeral IDs is a computationally more efficient way todetermine whether a session exists for an incoming smart device. In thepresent embodiments, once the session with the device 1302 is validated,reader device 1304 may direct peripheral device 1308 to perform auser-perceptible action, as described in step 1446.

In some embodiments, the destination for payload data need not bereporting server 1334 but may any other destination, such as anotherdevice.

In some embodiments, additional operations may be performed, asillustrated in FIG. 15. FIG. 15 illustrates a block diagram ofadditional processes. In various embodiments, it is contemplated thatwithin a building or facility where a user of a smart device is located,there will be multiple reader devices to interact with. In someexamples, reader devices may be associated with security doors,televisions, printers, control panels, gates, conference rooms, lockboxes, lockers, vending machines, and the like. To control the readerdevices, an administrator will specify policies and preferences for eachuser relative to the reader devices. In various embodiments, theadministrator may implement such policies on the security server 1306via a web interface, or the like.

As discussed in FIGS. 14A-F if the user device is not authenticated (viaephemeral ID, challenge/response, pre-cached token), the smart device,e.g. device 1302 may provide reader data, user identification data andthe like 1320 to security server 1306 in step 1434. Then, if the user isauthenticated by security server 1306, security server 1306 returns atoken 1322 for reader device 1304, step 1442. These steps may be timeconsuming and computationally intensive.

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of the authentication process ofsecurity server 1306 of step 1436. More specifically, the securityserver 1306 initially receives a user identifier, an ephemeral ID, thereader identifier, and other data (e.g. nonce) 1320, step 1500. In someembodiments, security server 1306 determines whether a reader identifier1318 is associated with a policy and/or a sub-policy, step 1502. In someexamples of this, a security policy may cover multiple buildings indifferent locations, and a sub-policy may cover only a specificbuilding, specific department, specific work group, or the like. Next,security server 1306 determines if the user identifier is associatedwith the policy or sub-policy, step 1504.

In various embodiments, based upon the policy or sub-policy, securitysever 1306 may desire to authorize smart device 1302 for only readerdevice 1304. In other embodiments, security sever may desire authorizesmart device 1302 for reader device 1304 as well as other reader deviceswithin the same sub-policy, or the like, such as reader device 1336.Specifically, in step 1506, security server 1306 determines token 1322based upon the user identifier, the reader identifier, token, or thelike, as discussed above. Additionally, security server 1306 may alsoprovide identifiers of other readers devices (e.g. reader device 1336)that security sever 1306 determines smart device 1304 should beauthenticated for, as part of the payload of token 1322. Security sever1306 then provides the token 1322 to smart device 1302, step 1508.Subsequently, as discussed above, smart device 1302 provides readerdevice 1304 the token 1324, step 1510.

There are a number of ways contemplated for authorizing smart device1302 with respect to other reader devices, e.g. reader device 1336. Inone embodiment, after the token 1322 has been authenticated in readerdevice 1302, the payload of the token 1322 may be used by reader device1304 to determine other reader devices to communicate with, step 1512.Reader device 1304 may then output data (e.g. ephemeral ID 1312 or otheruser identifying data) to the other reader devices (e.g. reader device1336) via Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, or other short-range or meshcommunications channels, step 1514. Upon receipt, the other readerdevices (e.g. 1336) may the cache the data (e.g. ephemeral ID 1312 orother user authenticating data), step 1516. Once cached in the readerdevices (e.g. 1336) memories, if smart device 1302 directly interactswith these reader devices, smart device 1302 will be authenticated basedupon ephemeral ID 1312 with the other reader devices, similar to step1426, above. As can be seen, the number of steps required for the otherreader devices to authenticate smart device 1302 are much less than theentire token process described above, accordingly, the latency betweenwhen smart device 1302 arrives until the user-perceptible action (e.g.door unlock, computer unlock, etc.) is greatly reduced, and efficiencyis improved.

In other embodiments, other ways of passing the ephemeral ID or otheruser data to other readers is contemplated. In one embodiment, a firstreader device may pass the ephemeral ID or other user authenticatinginformation to a second reader device, then second reader device maypass the ephemeral ID or other user authenticating information to athird reader device, and so on. In this way, reader devices that theuser will be authenticated in will cache the ephemeral ID or otheridentifier, without having reader device 1304 contacting them directly.Thus, when the user approaches the n-th reader device, the n-th readerdevice will quickly determine that the user is authorized orauthenticated. In various embodiments, the reader devices through whichthe ephemeral ID or other user authenticator, may or may not cache thisdata. Instead, it is contemplated that only the reader devices specifiedby the security server 1306 may cache this data.

In another embodiment, reader devices may be coupled to Wi-Fi, Ethernet,or the like and security server 1306 may directly provide ephemeral ID1312 to the other reader devices specified by the policy or sub-policyfor the user. In such cases, when the user's smart device isauthenticated, the security server 1306 may provide ephemeral ID 1312directly to the other reader devices.

In another embodiment, security server 1306 may determine tokens for allreader devices specified by the policy or sub-policy for the user andcache them on the smart device. For example, as a user of a smart deviceenters a building via an entry reader device, the security server mayprovide tokens for all other authorized doors, computers, panels, etc.within the building. These tokens may then be cached upon the smartdevice. Later, as the smart device approaches other readers, the smartdevice can automatically prove authentication by presenting one or moreof the stored tokens.

In various embodiments, if the ephemeral ID of a user device rotatesfrom a first ephemeral ID to a second ephemeral ID while the user isstill authenticated or authorized, the challenge and response processdescribed above may be used. In such embodiments, in addition to a firstreader device providing the user ephemeral ID to a second reader device,the first reader device may also provide one or more encryption keysstored in the token payload data. In such cases, if the user approachesa second reader device, and the second ephemeral ID is not recognized,the second reader device may send a challenge to the user's smartdevice, the user's smart device signs the challenge using the encryptionkey from the token, and returns it to the second reader device. Secondreader device then determines whether the challenge was properly signed,using the encryption key received from the first smart device.

Therefore, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not tobe limited to the specific examples illustrated and that modificationsand other examples are intended to be included within the scope of theappended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing description and theassociated drawings describe examples of the present disclosure in thecontext of certain illustrative combinations of elements and/orfunctions, it should be appreciated that different combinations ofelements and/or functions may be provided by alternative implementationswithout departing from the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly,parenthetical reference numerals in the appended claims are presentedfor illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scopeof the claimed subject matter to the specific examples provided in thepresent disclosure.

Further embodiments can be envisioned to one of ordinary skill in theart after reading this disclosure. In other embodiments, combinations orsub-combinations of the above disclosed invention can be advantageouslymade. The block diagrams of the architecture and flow charts are groupedfor ease of understanding. However, it should be understood thatcombinations of blocks, additions of new blocks, re-arrangement ofblocks, and the like are contemplated in alternative embodiments of thepresent invention.

The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense. It will, however, beevident that various modifications and changes may be made thereuntowithout departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention asset forth in the claims.

We claim:
 1. An access control system comprising: a first controllercoupled to a plurality of local devise comprising a first antennainterface and a first processor, wherein the first antenna interface isconfigured to broadcast identifying data associated with the accesscontrol system to the plurality of local devices within a limitedgeographic region proximate thereto including a first local device and asecond local device, wherein the first antenna interface is configuredto scan for a plurality of ephemeral ID signals associated with theplurality of local devices, wherein the first antenna interface isconfigured to receive a plurality of ephemeral ID signals and aplurality of token signals associated with the plurality of localdevices, wherein the first antenna interface is configured to receive aplurality of payload data from the plurality of local devices, whereinthe first controller is configured to determine a first authenticationcondition when an ephemeral ID signal associated with the first localdevice or a token signal from the first local device is determined to bevalid, wherein the first controller is configured to determine a secondauthentication condition when an ephemeral ID signal associated with thesecond local device or a token signal from the second local device isdetermined to be valid, and wherein the first controller is configuredto instruct a peripheral device to perform a user-perceptible action inresponse to the first authentication condition; and a second controllercoupled to the first controller, wherein the second controller isconfigured to facilitate wide-area communications with a remote servercomprising a second antenna interface and a second processor, whereinthe second processor is configured to receive payload data associatedwith the second local device in response to the second authenticationcondition, and wherein the second antenna interface is configured tooutput of at least a portion of the payload data associated with thesecond local device to the remote server in response to the secondauthentication condition.
 2. The access control system of claim 1wherein the peripheral device comprises an electro-mechanical device;and wherein the user-perceptible action in the electro-mechanical deviceis selected from a group consisting: unlocking a door, preparing abeverage, unlocking a car door, activating an appliance, activating avending machine, unlocking a turnstile, unlocking a latch, and opening agate.
 3. The access control system of claim 1 wherein the peripheraldevice comprises an electrical device; and wherein the user-perceptibleaction in the electrical device is selected from a group consisting:controlling a display, displaying data, activating a signal light,controlling a solenoid.
 4. The access control system of claim 1 whereinthe first controller comprises a first Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)controller comprising a Bluetooth antenna interface.
 5. The accesscontrol system of claim 4 wherein the second controller is configured tooutput data to the second antenna interface via a protocol selected froma group consisting of: BLE, ZigBee, UWB, Wi-Fi.
 6. The access controlsystem of claim 1 wherein the second local device is selected from agroup consisting of: a biometric capture device, a camera, a microphone,a sensor, a smart device, and a printer.
 7. The access control system ofclaim 6 wherein the payload data is selected from a group consisting of:biometric data, image data, audio data, sensor data.
 8. A method forcontrol system comprising: broadcasting with a first controller of areader device identification signals associated with the reader devicewithin a geographic region proximate to the reader device; scanning withthe first controller for ephemeral ID signals within the geographicregion proximate to the reader device; detecting with the firstcontroller a first ephemeral ID signal or a first token from a firstlocal device associated with a first user; detecting with the firstcontroller a second ephemeral ID signal or a second token from a secondlocal device; determining with the first controller a firstauthentication condition in response to authenticating the firstephemeral ID signal or the first token; determining with the firstcontroller a second authentication condition in response toauthenticating the second ephemeral ID signal or the second token;initiating with the first controller a user-perceptible action with aperipheral device coupled to the reader device in response to the firstauthentication condition; receiving with the first controller payloaddata associated with the second local device; initiating with a secondcontroller of the reader device output of at least a portion of thepayload data associated with the second local device to a remote serverin response to the second authentication condition.
 9. The method ofclaim 8 wherein the peripheral device comprises an electro-mechanicaldevice; and wherein the method comprises performing an action with theelectro-mechanical device selected from a group consisting of: unlockinga door, preparing a beverage, unlocking a car door, activating anappliance, activating a vending machine, unlocking a turnstile,unlocking a latch, opening a gate.
 10. The method of claim 8 wherein theperipheral device comprises an electrical device; and wherein the methodcomprises performing an action with the electrical device selected froma group consisting of: controlling a display, displaying data,activating a signal light, and activating a solenoid.
 11. The method ofclaim 8 wherein the first controller comprises a first Bluetooth LowEnergy (BLE) controller comprising a Bluetooth antenna interface; andwherein the detecting with the first controller the first ephemeral IDsignal or the first token comprises detecting with the Bluetooth antennainterface the first ephemeral ID signal or the first token from thefirst local device associated with the first user.
 12. The method ofclaim 8 wherein the second controller is configured to output data via aprotocol selected from a group consisting of: BLE, ZigBee, UWB, Wi-Fi,Ethernet, rf, cellular, 4G, 5G.
 13. The method of claim 8 wherein thesecond local device is selected from a group consisting of: a biometriccapture device, a camera, an IR sensor, an ambient light sensor, aproximity sensor, a radar sensor, a laser sensor, an RF sensor, a gassensor, a carbon monoxide sensor, an accelerometer, a microphone, asensor, a smart device, a smoke detector, a temperature sensor, apressure sensor, and a multifunction printer.
 14. The method of claim 8further comprising: detecting with the first controller a first distancebetween the first controller and the first local device; and wherein thedetermining with the first controller the first authentication conditionis also in response to the first distance being below a thresholddistance.
 15. An access control system comprising: a peripheral deviceconfigured to perform a user-perceptible action; a first controllercoupled to a plurality of local devise comprising a first antennainterface and a first processor, wherein the first antenna interface isconfigured to broadcast identifying data associated with the accesscontrol system to the plurality of local devices within a limitedgeographic region including to a first local device and a second localdevice, wherein the first antenna interface is configured to receive aplurality of ephemeral ID signals and a plurality of token signalsassociated with the plurality of local devices, wherein the firstantenna interface is configured to receive a plurality of payload datafrom the plurality of local devices, wherein the first controller isconfigured to determine a first authentication condition when anephemeral ID signal from the first local device or a token signal fromthe first local device is determined to be valid, wherein the firstcontroller is configured to determine a second authentication conditionwhen an ephemeral ID signal from the second local device or a tokensignal from the second local device is determined to be valid, andwherein the first controller is configured to instruct the peripheraldevice to perform the user-perceptible action in response to the firstauthentication condition; and a second controller coupled to the firstcontroller, wherein the second controller is configured to facilitatewide-area communications with a remote server comprising a secondantenna interface and a second processor, wherein the second processoris configured to receive payload data from the second local device inresponse to the second authentication condition, and wherein the secondantenna interface is configured to output of at least a portion of thepayload data associated with the second local device to the remoteserver in response to the second authentication condition.
 16. Theaccess control system of claim 15 wherein the peripheral devicecomprises an electro-mechanical device; and wherein the user-perceptibleaction in the electro-mechanical device is selected from a groupconsisting: unlocking a door, preparing a beverage, unlocking a cardoor, activating an appliance, activating a vending machine, unlocking aturnstile, unlocking a latch, and opening a gate.
 17. The access controlsystem of claim 15 wherein the peripheral device comprises an electricaldevice; and wherein the user-perceptible action in the electrical deviceis selected from a group consisting: controlling a display, displayingdata, activating a signal light, controlling a solenoid.
 18. The accesscontrol system of claim 15 wherein the first controller comprises afirst Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) controller comprising a Bluetoothantenna interface; and wherein the second controller is configured tooutput data to the second antenna interface via a protocol selected froma group consisting of: BLE, ZigBee, UWB, Wi-Fi.
 19. The access controlsystem of claim 15 wherein the plurality of local devices comprises athird local device; wherein the first controller is configured todetermine a third authentication condition when an ephemeral ID signalfrom the third local device or a token signal from the third localdevice is determined to be valid; and wherein the second processor isconfigured to output at least the portion of the payload data associatedwith the second local device to the third local device in response tothe second authentication condition and to the third authenticationcondition.
 20. The access control system of claim 15 wherein the secondlocal device is selected from a group consisting of: a biometric capturedevice, a camera, a microphone, a sensor, a smart device, and a printer.